QBSN is proud to present the third installment in its “Bobcats Speak” series, which focuses on how current and former Quinnipiac University student-athletes are using their voices to fight for equality.

This week we welcome former QU tennis player, Kei Ezaka ’17.

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I learned a lot through college athletics.

The meaning of bonding, brotherhood and family were taught from day one. No matter who you are or where you are from, the team is together. 

Right now in Japan, social injustice is becoming a big issue. People attack each other on social media by pinpointing someone’s mistake and criticizing them. These actions traumatize a lot of people, so much to the point that some people take their own lives.

Everyone has the right to speak their mind, but they should not be criticized for what they believe. 

Whether you are touching on race, gender, social status, or the like, please think before you speak. Put yourself in the shoes of the person you are criticizing.

There is a saying in Japan; “out of a mouth comes evil.”

We believe that language has a soul. Any word we say gains a soul. If it is something positive, it gains positive power. On the other hand, a negative word gains negative power. Just one word can change someone’s life.

Therefore, before you take action, think about the other person. Take a second to think before you act.

Those few seconds can lead to happiness for all.

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Kei Ezaka is a former Quinnipiac Men’s Tennis player who graduated in 2017 as the winningest player in QU Men’s Tennis history.